The horological world has long maintained a complex relationship with quartz technology. While mechanical movements are traditionally celebrated for their intricate gear trains, historical craftsmanship, and micro-engineering, recent high-profile market events are prompting a fresh look at battery-powered timepieces.
On the latest episode of the SJX Podcast, the hosts delve deeply into this evolving landscape, sparked by a monumental auction result in Hong Kong. The discussion addresses whether blockbuster quartz sales signal a broader shift in collector sentiment, while also examining innovative high-end releases, behind-the-scenes manufacturing insights from Switzerland, and upcoming major exhibitions in Southeast Asia.
The focal point of the conversation is the recent sale of a Cartier Cheich at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, which achieved an astonishing US$3.38 million. This extraordinary sum has immediately thrust quartz watches back into the industry spotlight. Historically, high-end collecting has been dominated by mechanical complications, automatic rotors, and manually wound calibres. However, the multi-million-dollar acquisition of the Cartier Cheich—a legendary design rooted in the grueling Paris-Dakar Rally—demonstrates that extraordinary historical significance, rarity, and avant-garde case architecture can easily transcend the nature of the power source ticking away inside the case.
The podcast explores what this massive auction result means for the broader collector market. While a multi-million-dollar Cartier Cheich is an extreme outlier, it raises compelling questions about how collectors perceive value, rarity, and historical design. The conversation naturally extends to the broader appeal of unusual Cartier shapes, which have consistently captured the imaginations of connoisseurs seeking alternatives to traditional round timepieces.
Building upon the theme of high-end quartz, the episode shifts focus to Patek Philippe and its newly introduced Gondolo “Ladies First” reference 7043. Patek Philippe is a marque synonymous with the pinnacle of traditional mechanical watchmaking, yet the brand has a rich history of utilizing quartz technology for specific applications, particularly within its ladies’ collections. The introduction of the new Gondolo model provides a practical and sophisticated case for quartz at the absolute highest tier of watchmaking. By combining refined high-end finishing, distinctive geometry, and the everyday convenience and precision of quartz, the watch bridges the gap between traditional luxury and modern practicality, offering wearers a reliable daily companion without compromising on aesthetic pedigree.
The discussion then pivots from finished luxury products to the industrial backbone of contemporary watchmaking. Brandon shares his firsthand impressions and insights from a recent visit to Manufacture La Joux-Perret, a prominent movement maker that supplies various brands across the industry. One of the most fascinating revelations from the visit is that solar quartz calibres currently account for a quarter of the manufacture’s annual movement production.
This statistic highlights a significant and often overlooked segment of contemporary horology. Despite the Citizen-owned manufacture’s deep Japanese technical foundations and corporate ownership, these solar quartz calibres are crafted with a surprising degree of traditional European execution. They are almost entirely Swiss-made, incorporating a level of hands-on assembly, finishing, and quality control that one might not typically associate with high-volume quartz production. The insights gathered from the manufacture tour shed light on how modern technological innovation, such as light-powered energy storage, continues to intersect with traditional Swiss manufacturing infrastructure.
Finally, the podcast previews another major upcoming event in the watch calendar: A. Lange & Söhne’s upcoming exhibition in Singapore. The German Saxon watchmaker is celebrated for its uncompromising approach to traditional mechanical chronographs, perpetual calendars, and time-only masterpieces. The Singapore exhibition is set to be deeply dedicated to chronographs and classic cars, highlighting the enduring historical synergy between high-precision timekeeping and motorsport engineering. Chronographs have long served as essential instruments for measuring elapsed time on the racetrack, and Lange’s upcoming showcase promises to celebrate this rich heritage through exceptional timepieces and automotive aesthetics.
Listeners interested in a deeper dive into these topics can tune into the latest episode of the SJX Podcast, which is available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
